Mystic, Conn. (May 12, 2016): Mystic Aquarium is providing the public with a unique way to help further the conservation efforts of African penguins. On Friday, May 20, Mystic Aquarium will celebrate Endangered Species Day by revealing the gender of each of its four African penguin chicks. To build excitement, awareness and much-needed funding for African penguin conservation, an online auction has been established allowing fans to vie for the opportunity to participate in the gender reveal ceremony. Bids are being accepted at www.501auctions.com/penguinchicks.

Fans from around the globe tuned in via live webcam to watch as Mystic Aquarium’s four African penguin chicks mature. Now fully grown, Purple/Purple, Purple/Black, Purple/Brown and Purple/Silver have officially joined the colony.

Because there are no distinguishing physical characteristics between male and female African penguins, gender can only be determined through DNA testing. With the test results securely in the hands of a select few, the chicks’ genders are the best kept secret at Mystic Aquarium.

On Friday, May 20 at 11am, with the help of four lucky winners, Mystic Aquarium will reveal the genders of the chicks. The online auction allows guests to bid for the opportunity to participate in the overall fanfare of gender reveal day. The “how” of the reveal is also part of the surprise.

“We encourage you to take a swing at some fun and excitement,” said Assistant Supervisor of penguins, Tracy Camp. “But don’t worry, it will be a ball!”

Proceeds from the online auction will support Mystic Aquarium’s mission to protect and care for our ocean planet including efforts to protect this endangered species.

Online bidding is available now through midnight on Wednesday, May 18. The winners will be announced on Mystic Aquarium’s social media channels on Thursday, May 19.

The festivities get underway on Friday, May 20 at 11am as part of Mystic Aquarium’s Endangered Species Day activities. Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them.

The African penguin, one of the most popular species at Mystic Aquarium, is also at the highest risk of extinction in the animal kingdom. In an effort to reverse this devastating trend, Mystic Aquarium became a founding member of the African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP) in 1995. This breeding program ensures the long-term survival of African penguins in accredited zoos and aquariums. Today, with the help of generous and caring guests, our work continues not only here at Mystic Aquarium, but with our accredited partners around the world as we collaboratively work to save the African penguin.